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TV Guide Network cobbles together two more Michael Jackson tributes
Is this much MJ coverage “Bad?” Chris Pizzello photo/Associated Press
Haven’t had enough Michael Jackson coverage? I’ve had enough to last a lifetime (maybe the only network that hasn’t aired one!) but as long as y’all keep watching, it’s never going to stop.
TV Guide Network will shamelessly grab for ratings — er, pay homage to Jackson — in two more television specials airing this week: “Stars Reflect on the Man in the Mirror,” premiering tonight at 7:00 p.m. CT includes performance highlights and celebrity interviews from Sunday night’s “BET Awards,” which became a hastily-planned tribute to Jackson; “Michael Jackson: His Music Legacy,” premiering Wednesday, July 1 at 7:00 p.m. CT, features Jackson’s music videos.
“Stars Reflect on the Man in the Mirror” features interviews with Joe Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Ne-Yo, Alicia Keys, New Edition, Ciara, Sherri Shepherd, Arsenio Hall and Wyclef Jean, as they discuss Michael Jackson’s legendary career, his pop culture influence and how he paved the way for so many artists today. (Arsenio Hall? There’s a blast from the past. I wonder how many weeks of coverage we’ll have when he passes away?) The special will also include some of the most memorable tribute highlights from the “BET Awards,” including Janet Jackson’s remarks, Jamie Foxx’s Moonwalk and New Edition’s medley rendition of Jackson 5 hits.
“Michael Jackson: His Music Legacy” will feature music videos from the artist’s solo career, including “Human Nature,” “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” among others.
In other words, there’s little here we haven’t seen a thousand times on dozens of channels in the 5 days since Jackson died.
I don’t mean to sound callous; Jackson was a phenomenal entertainer — 25 years ago. He did influence a lot of artists and he left a brilliant musical legacy; a few days of coverage was well-deserved. But I feel there’s some revisionist — or at least, selective — history taking place here: MJ did not create MTV and, although he certainly had a gloved hand in shaping and changing the music video art form, the last time I checked nobody really shows those anymore.
I guess I’m just Thriller’d out. Do you agree? Is the continuing MJ coverage overblown or am I out of line? Post your thoughts below.
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By Sarah
July 2, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this
Oh good grief! I live in BIrmingham, AL and saw your article on line KNOWING that someone had started a website - "Ive had enough of Michael Jackson.com" or something. It is completely out of control. Let the man rest in peace!